A new report suggests the Carolina Panthers could be looking for a new head coach for the second straight offseason.
After two and a half dismal years with Matt Rhule as head coach, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper had seen enough and fired Rhule after six games last season. While Steve Wilks did a solid job in an interim role, the organization went on a coaching search earlier this year and decided former Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich was the man who could bring them back to prominence.
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However, after the first 10 weeks of the 2023 season, the Carolina Panthers have the worst record in the league and are near or at the bottom of our latest NFL offense rankings and defense rankings. Starting QB Bryce Young seems to be light years behind fellow rookie CJ Stroud. Plus, many of their notable offseason additions have not delivered positive results in what has been a disastrous year.
Despite it only being his first season and new regimes often needing two or three years at least to institute a real culture change, it seems the patience of the organization could be wearing thin. On a Fox NFL Sunday appearance this morning, NFL insider Jay Glazer claimed that “without a doubt here, Frank Reich has the hottest seat in the league (via Bleacher Report).”
Glazer also suggested that Reich taking over play-calling duties on offense recently was due to the building pressure he is already facing in his first season with the team.
Related: Carolina Panthers tried trading for All-Pro receiver to help Bryce Young
If the Carolina Panthers did take the bold step of firing Reich after just one season, here are four men they could target to be their next head coach.
4 Candidates to be next Carolina Panthers head coach
Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Wolverines head coach
Few football fans are not aware of the recent drama that has surrounded Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. A man who is currently serving his second suspension this season for NCAA violations. If he can’t bring a championship to the program later this year, there is a very real chance he could seek an exit from the stifling rules in the college ranks.
Harbaugh has already had elite-level success in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, which would make him appealing to Carolina. However, with Panthers boss David Tepper desperate to build a consistent winner for the first time since he’s been owner he might be willing to give Harbaugh a huge amount of say in the organization, which would definitely interest the 59-year-old.
Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator
If the Panthers wanted to shift gears away from an offensive-minded head coach to a defensive guru then Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald could be a good option. His name continues to grow around the league after making the Ravens defense one of the best in the league over the last two seasons. Plus he has also proven his scheme works at the college ranks during a strong season at the DC with Michigan in 2021.
Eric Bieniemy, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator
Eric Bieniemy has been a head coach candidate for the better part of the last five years. However, it seems organizations questioned if his success was more based on working with MVP Patrick Mahomes and legendary head coach Andy Reid than being a legitimate offensive guru.
Well, in 2023 he took his scheme to the Washington Commanders and has turned fifth-round pick Sam Howell into a signal caller with real franchise QB potential and made the Commanders’ offense one of the best in the league. If he can turn Howell into a growing star, what could he do with Bryce Young?
Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator
Ben Johnson was a top head coach candidate heading into the year and the Detroit Lions were so afraid of losing him that they paid him head coach-level money to remain in the position in 2023. With the Lions’ offense being even better than they were last year, he is sure to be pursued again heavily this offseason.
Considering what he has done with Jared Goff in the last two years, one has to wonder if he could be a massive positive influence on Young and turn him into the next QB superstar in the league.